I am writing regarding the City Council’s special meeting held Oct. 7 concerning the request to adopt an advisory motion regarding the General Plan and zoning designations for the existing Harbor Bay Club.

As a preliminary matter, the procedural posture of the meeting seemed confusing in that it was merely a check -in with the council, as opposed to a request for a formal vote. Nonetheless, I am grateful to the City Council for allowing both sides to add clarity to their positions and engage in this public discourse.

Specifically, I found it beneficial for the community to hear in no uncertain terms that the Harbor Bay Club owners are moving forward with a new club, irrespective of what occurs with the land at 200 Packet Landing Road. There has been much conversation in the community about the two transactions being inextricably tied to one another, and that confusion was laid to rest by the proponents of a new club. As a supporter of a new club, I am glad to hear that a new club is not contingent on a particular development or zoning change of the property at the club’s current site.

Second, it was surprising to hear from some residents of Harbor Bay Isle who oppose the new club and appear to believe that they bought in to the existing club, despite it being a private business, or have some type of legal interest in the existing club in excess of their basic rights as members under the club’s membership agreement — simply because they purchased homes here. The facts do not support such a claim.

Moreover, a private architect’s professional opinion regarding remodeling options at the existing site — a site owned by private owners who intend to sell — made no sense. Councilman Oddie’s comments summarized a point that I hope we keep in mind: Community members need to be careful what they wish for. The current owners could sell the property tomorrow with its existing zoning limitations intact. A new owner could then build something worse than new housing; something that could negatively impact the value of all of our homes here on Harbor Bay Isle with little if any recourse to neighboring communities.

Perhaps it is time that constructive dialogue begin, as Councilwoman Ashcraft suggested, to avoid such an outcome that none of us want.

Jennifer Williams

Thanks for support

of 5K Woof Walk

On Oct. 24, we held the annual 5K Woof Walk as a fundraiser for Little Angels Service Dogs, an organization that places service dogs with children and adults with disabilities. It was an awesome day. The sun was shining, and more than 100 people — and dogs — participated in the event, a 5K walk along the bay.

The event was very successful thanks to the exceptional support of the community. A heartfelt thank-you goes to all of the friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses that made the day so special. In particular, thank you to our sponsors for their generous support: Kate Pryor, owner of Tucker’s Ice Cream; Harbor Bay Realty; Dave McCarver at Alameda Advertising and Recognition; Louise Howard at Harbor Bay Club; Andrew Andehueson at the Starbucks on Park Street; Albert Colmenares and the Petco at South Shore Shopping Center.

A very big thank-you to the Leadership Class at Alameda High School, in particular Selma, for their indispensable help on the day of the walk. Their energy, enthusiasm, efficiency and good natures made the walk even more enjoyable.

Thank you, too, to Christine Franceschi at GS Management for help and the staff at the City of Alameda Permit Center. Thank you, Mark Hovemale, for your advice and guidance regarding putting on an event like this. Finally, thank you to the Alameda Journal for your article covering the event. It is a pleasure to live in a community that supports each other so generously.

Lauryn Adams and Dan Moran

fundraising volunteers

Little Angels Service Dogs

Post-Halloween

cleanup inspiring

On a beautiful fall Sunday morning, I witnessed the nicest post-Halloween gesture — one of those things that make it so special to live in small-town Alameda.

A group of children carrying garbage bags and accompanied by their parents just walked past our house. No, they weren’t belated trick-or-treaters. They were picking up candy wrappers and other trash from the previous night’s event.

What a wonderful way to say thanks to the generous candy givers. Also, what a wonderful lesson for the children in thoughtfulness, responsibility and respect for others. Thank you, parents.

Kurt Libby

Condolences have

given much comfort

“It takes a village .” How lucky I am to live in such a village? Ever since Sam Sause, my husband, was killed Dec. 11, 2014, Alamedans have been so very kind to us in so many ways, including providing the memorial planter at the cross walk of Grand and Otis, where Sam died. The newspapers, Rotary members, Sea Farers organization including the Sea Cadets, our church family, the people Sam visited with on his walks and runs, people in shops, folks all over town have all been so kind, helpful and generous with condolences. Our family is so grateful to each of you.

We have been privileged to live here since 1964, where we have raised our three children and for the last 25 years Sam had his transportation business. It’s amazing the kindness shown by all of you. When I water the plants at his memorial it is amazing how many people share a Sam story or express their sorrow for his death.

I write to express our appreciation for all your many kindnesses, and thank you for allowing me to feel so blessed to have had such amazing support from Alameda these last painful months.

Helen Sause

Thanks for helping

fight blood cancers

In early October, Team Cepparo held a fundraiser at Books Inc. in Alameda for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

During a three-hour window, we were able to raise more than $1,000 thanks to Books Inc. for donating a percentage of the sales and thanks to the following vendors who very generously donated certificates and merchandise for a raffle: Trabocco Restaurant (Alameda), Portal Restaurant (Oakland), Alameda Bikes, Encinal Nursery, Sumbody (Alameda), Therapy (Alameda), Alameda Theatre, Fenton’s Ice Creamery (Oakland), Oak Town Spice Shop (Oakland), Peet’s Coffee and Janet Crandall Personal training.

And a big thanks goes to Grains & Greens, Baron’s Meat & Poultry, Alameda Natural Grocery (all in the Marketplace) and Troy’s on Central for providing wonderful food for the event. Thank you all for helping us raise funds for LLS to find a cure for blood cancers.

Gayle Cepparo

Twin Towers Church

aid has been godsend

Midway Shelter thanks Twin Towers United Methodist Church for years of generosity and devotion to our community’s most vulnerable members. Congregants have donated dinner for residents of Alameda’s emergency homeless shelter for more than two decades.

Midway’s dinner donors purchase ingredients and prepare them off-site, bringing the completed meal at dinner time to feed the 25 homeless women and children who call Midway Shelter home. Donors typically provide a monthly dinner but are welcome to reserve more or fewer.

Twin Towers Church, thank you for making a difference. We rely on community heroes like you to help Midway residents know the community cares.

Individuals or groups interested in Midway’s Dinner Donation Program or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Development Coordinator Lorie Curtis at lcurtis@bfwc.org or 510 357-0205 ext. 206. To learn more about Building Futures, visit www.bfwc.org.

Rather than leaving their families behind, while facing possible death and paying “coyotes” to bring them to America in search of a better life, why don’t these immigrants protest in front of Mexican consulates or the Mexican Embassy and demand their government grant them the freedoms Americans enjoy?